LG VK Saxena chose Delhi Home Minister Kailash Gahlot to hoist the national flag at Chhatrasal Stadium for the Independence Day celebrations in the city.
The move of the LG put an end to speculations regarding the flag hoisting in the national capital, more so because Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would not be able to attend the event.
An official statement by LG Saxena stated, "In view of the situation, the Lieutenant Governor is pleased to delegate the State Level Independence Day function for unfurling the national flag at the venue already declared to Home Minister Kailash Gahlot."
The move is likely to escalate tensions between the LG and Aam Aadmi Party leaders who had rallied behind Chief Minister Kejriwal's recommendation to have Atishi hoist the flag.
Traditionally, the programmes at Chhatrasal Stadium on Independence Day include a speech by the Chief Minister. With Kejriwal being under detention in Tihar Jail following allegations of money laundering in the liquor policy case, speculation was rife that Atishi would be the incumbent.
Kejriwal had communicated this message to Environment Minister Gopal Rai when the latter met him in jail on Monday. Later, Rai told that the Chief Minister had asked Atishi to hoist the flag on his behalf and instructed the General Administration Department to make necessary arrangements.
The GAD rejected the request immediately, citing that there are existing rules and regulations which simply do not permit this. The department cited Rules 585, 588, 620, and 627 of the Delhi Prison Rules, 2018.
Subsequently, it was escalated to the Home Ministry, which authorised the Delhi LG to select any minister for flag hoisting at Chhatrasal Stadium.
Read also | Atishi to Raise National Flag in Delhi on Independence Day, Says Gopal Rai
